Cossie Designer’s Car up for sale

Ford Escort Cosworth with unusual owner provenance is up for grabs.


Ford Escort Cosworth to be sold by Silverstone Auctions on 9-11 November comes with unusual provenance – it was the daily-driver for one of its designers for four years. Stephen Harper created and helped to engineer the Escort Cosworth’s outline and double-deck spoiler in the late 1980s. He sold it in September 2015, but its current owner, Andrew Ward, is looking to sell. Stephen said: ‘Andrew asked if it was okay for him to sell it, and whether I might want it back. Unfortunately, I’m in no position to have it back.’

Stephen bought the Cosworth new in 1996. He said: ‘It was a case of “run what you drew”, so I had to have one.’

He wasn’t entitled to a discount, but got one via his brother-in-law, who worked for Ford at the time. He went on to use it as his everyday transport for four years, before retiring it to his garage as a weekend fun car. The decision to sell came when the local Region of the RS Owners’ Club spotted the car parked up during a rare exercise session. Stephen said: ‘No-one knew who it belonged to. A buzz erupted when they found out and I was invited top resent talks about the Escort Cosworth. Several people asked if I ever wanted to sell.’

Stephen said that the decision to move the car on was difficult, but several factors changed his mind: ‘I had a son coming of driving age, and I was concerned that if he’d got behind the wheel he’d wrap it around a tree. Plus, it rather brought out the hooligan in me whenever I managed to drive it!’ He said: ‘I’m happy to get in touch with the new owner to provide sketches and items. Silverstone Auctions has estimated the 80,000-mile car at £30k-£35k.

‘IT BROUGHT THE HOOLIGAN OUT IN ME WHENEVER I DROVE IT’


Used 1995 Ford Escort Cosworth RS

Used 1995 Ford Escort Cosworth RSEscort Cosworth belonged to one of the car’s designers. Can you tell what it is yet? Original Cossie sketch.

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